The American Shrimp Processors Association (ASPA) has expressed its strong support to President Donald Trump’s new 'Buy American' Executive Order, since it considers it offers a great opportunity to create new jobs in the Gulf shrimp communities.

“We commend President Trump’s commitment to making sure the federal government purchases American products whenever possible. We deserve a comprehensive review of the programs in place at each of our agencies to ensure that domestic industries obtain the maximum positive economic from Buy American programs,” pointed out ASPA Executive Director Dr. David Veal.

ASPA representatives stress that while some federal agencies such as the Department of Commerce and the Department of Transportation have great procurement guidelines in place, it is unclear whether all federal agencies pursue Buy American with the same vigor.

The sector considers that any loopholes in the law that benefit foreign producers need to be closed and that any provisions which impede US producers need to be changed.

“We appreciate this effort and the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to restore the competitive position of the country. This is the strongest effort by any administration to ensure that US laws designed to promote the purchase of domestically-produced products are effectively enforced,” Veal stated.

ASPA represents and promotes the interests of the domestic, US wild-caught, warmwater shrimp processing industry along the Gulf Coast with members from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

The association is the collective voice of the industry, and its focus is to promote the interests of shrimp processors, other segments of the US domestic wild-caught shrimp industry and the general public.[email protected]www.fis.com